TCGP (part 2): My journey in the Grand grotto

My journey in the Grand grotto

I could not believe that I was right away declared the designed commander of all of the troops we had on hand and that mother decided to go undercover as a simple soldier. It seemed ludicrous to even risk something this big. Was I to be trusted this much? What was the plan here?? There was one thing that was for sure, every life mattered here on ship and I would use my power to save everyone in danger, no matter the cost!

Being amongst all of those proud Cashmyrs in the royal vessels heading towards the main continent (commonly referred as Grand grotto), I have to admit, I felt patriotic.

This boat ride was very relaxing for now, and as much as I wanted to be careless, something could happen any second it seemed. As I took my new responsibility very seriously, I looked around and realized this was the real deal. I could recognize many of our men, they had been like family since my youngest age, these where powerful soldiers we had on board. Mother would not have brought so many soldiers if we were not going to be facing actual danger. I really wondered what is lurking in the horizon. I was scared, but the unflinching confidence of my people now had me ready for anything it seemed.

The only person that was not present that I considered really close was Fallam. Mother left her at the capital to take care of things there. She refers to Fallam as her little sister, but in reality Fallam was eight generations younger than mother in the diamond Cashmyr tree, she was not connected to her any other way. 1700 years old-ish auntie Fallam had studied different fields that made her satisfyingly suited for the task as we left and she was happy to do her part at home as always, a task she had clearly taken care of many times before. Mother said something to her just before we left and I could tell that auntie had heard that countless times before:

"Hope everything goes well while we are gone eh? We will be back soon dearest sister. Take care of every member of our family and thank you as always. Do as you please as I am gone."

This was a great opportunity for me to prove mother that her teachings had not been in vain. I was unsure but I still looked at my soldiers with somewhat of a grin, trying to make them know I was ready for the mission.

(A royal bodyguard): "Hey kiddo, do not have us all killed now eh, my daughter prefers me when I am alive. She would hate it if ever I died due to your poor judgment on the field? Even if I am forced to follow your orders, I do not trust you at all... If I was not under oath I would say that you are but a child."

(Myself trying to inspire confidence): "Please friend, I plead you to not give me such poise in myself Barrim, it is overwhelming. My vain attempts to stay humble are tarnished by your overflowing trust."

He had a chuckle and left towards the back of the boat. The royal bodyguards are serious, yet very tender to us Cashmyr younglings at the same time. It is somewhat hard to explain to someone who never lived within our cherished Diamond island but I could tell he would give his life for me without a second thought...

As I began my journey towards the unknown, we where about 300 leaving our initial region. We had hired guys from every town to make sure we would not stay trapped hundreds of kilometers away from home. I must now leave this journal and help out my fellow soldiers. I will pick up my writings tomorrow. Have a nice day friends, take care.